What Is Fatty Liver?
Fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) is a pathology, which occurs when the liver cells become overstuffed with fat. At its early stages, the liver may be normal but in the long-term, the accumulated fats may result in inflammation, scarring and damage to the liver when untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment will save your liver and complications can be avoided.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
- Obesity or rapid weight gain
- Diabetes or insulin resistance type 2.
- A high concentration of cholesterol or triglycerides.
- Over consumption of alcohol.
- Eating habits and unhealthy lifestyle are not healthy.
- Metabolic syndrome
Signs and Symptoms
- Often none in early stages
- Fatigue or general weakness
- Abdominal pain (fullness) or light pain on the upper right.
- Unexplained weight loss
- On the blood tests, a rise in liver enzymes.
- In the legs or belly (severe disease), edema.
How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses Fatty Liver?
Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He analyzes your medical history, alcohol intake, medications and risk factors and he analyses your physical examination to establish whether your liver is swollen.
Blood Tests
We check liver enzymes (ALT, AST), check cholesterol and triglycerides, and get rid of other factors that may cause liver damage.
Imaging Studies
- The liver fat accumulation and echogenicity are measured by ultrasound.
- FibroScan (elastography) is a test which involves measuring the liver stiffness in order to establish fibrosis.
Advanced Testing (if needed)
Sometimes liver biopsy is recommended to verify the diagnosis or approximate the inflammation and scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a fatty liver?
Some of the causes include obesity or rapid weight gain, diabetes type 2 or insulin resistance, high cholesterol/triglycerides, poor food, heavy drinking which Dr. Chadha would examine the first time you visit him.
How do you want me to minimize my liver enzymes?
Eat a balanced moderate diet, exercise more and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol. In GastroDoxs, Dr. Chadha creates a personalized program to help you put your liver levels back to normal levels.
What are the echogenicity tests of the liver?
Noninvasive imaging technologies like the ultrasound and FibroScan measure the fat and stiffness of the liver. Our clinic (Westheimer) offers such tests which do not require any surgery.
Does it have a fatty liver disease drug?
In some cases, Dr. Chadha can prescribe the insulin-sensitizing drugs, cholesterol-blocking drugs and vitamin E. He tailor-fits any prescription to your lab findings and overall wellbeing.
What is the projected duration of NASH liver disease?
Depending on the disease stage, survival depends on the disease. NASH can be properly managed at an early age through diet, exercise and follow up which can help an individual live a normal life. Dr. Chadha will investigate your own prognosis.
Do I need a biopsy?
Most of the patients avoid liver biopsy. Dr. Chadha polishes with blood tests, imaging and FibroScan to establish the status of the liver, and only applies biopsy in case of specification staging.